Bullet question: .357 to 9mm

Jack D · Post by **Jack D** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 7:59 pm

Can you run a lubed .357 (.38 spl) cast bullet (125gr.) through a 9mm bullet sizing die for use in a 9mm cartridge? Will it need to be re-lubed? Will the crimping groove be right for 9mm?

Post by **Bullseye** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:06 pm

I personally have not tried this but the relative bullet sizes are only a few thousandths different .357-.358" to .355-.356" so it should work just fine. 9mm bullets do not get a heavy crimp because autopistol's index for head spacing off the cartridge case mouth. A taper crimp or a slight roll crimp will do fine.

R,
Bullseye

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:49 pm

Re lubed or sizing may not be needed since very little resizing being done. If your shooting lead you normally want a 0.001" larger than spec, so you may not need to resize it at all.

My Sig barrel actually slugged 0.357" which is surprising since Sig has a reputation of being tight. So check your barrel it may not need it.

The way I slugged mine, was to take a empty 9mm brass and melt some lead to fill it up. Then use an inertia bullet puller to get it out. With it being tapered
it makes it easy to start and drive through (start from chamber end) with a wood dow or brass rod.

Jack D · Post by **Jack D** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 11:56 am

I was thinking it should be possible. Just wasn't sure I was thinking correctly. I bought 500 cast bullets in 125 gr. for my .38 sp. Then one of my sons gave me another 500 that he tried and didn't like. So I have over 900 of them, all 125 gr. I have another 300, 158 gr for the .38 sp. Nice to know I can use the 125 gr in a 9mm....should I decide to buy one.

Post by **Bullseye** » Thu Jan 06, 2011 4:10 pm

I have to use them in one of my 9mm pistols. My Browning HP has a barrel dia. of .357" and cast lead 9mm bullets will keyhole at 50'. However I use some bullets sized to 38 cal dimensions (.357"-.358") in it and it shoots perfectly.

R,
Bullseye